Flames prospects at WJC. UPD: Hickey & McDonald make final Team Canada roster

[Monahan For Mayor]

So I live in Sherwood Park and my co worker was listening to the Oilers radio station whatever it is. They actuat had Ryan Jankowski on today talking about camp and the roster for world juniours. I can't remember exactly what he said but along these lines.

On Hickey: Him and Walman both invited from college because they are in the category of the best defenders for Canada in that age group. They both absolutely will have a chance to make the team. He likes that both of them have played against men, and have experience at a higher level.

He also mentioened that Walman brings a huge shot from the point that he believes is a weakness on their d. If things don't change it sounded like he preferred Walman to Hickey.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by Monahan For Mayor

So I live in Sherwood Park and my co worker was listening to the Oilers radio station whatever it is. They actuat had Mark Jankowski on today talking about camp and the roster for world juniours. I can't remember exactly what he said but along these lines.

On Hickey: Him and Walman both invited from college because they are in the category of the best defenders for Canada in that age group. They both absolutely will have a chance to make the team. He likes that both of them have played against men, and have experience at a higher level.

He also mentioened that Walman brings a huge shot from the point that he believes is a weakness on their d. If things don't change it sounded like he preferred Walman to Hickey.

I think you mean Hockey Canada Director of Player Personnel Ryan Jankowski, Mark's uncle.

[Monahan For Mayor]

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

I think you mean Hockey Canada Director of Player Personnel Ryan Jankowski, Mark's uncle.

Yes. My bad, long day...

[sureLoss]

Not surprising that Walman would be preferred over Hickey.

Walman has been lights out in the NCAA this season. He at one point lead the NCAA in goals scored. As a defenceman. He is currently 4th in the NCAA in goals scored.

He also leads the Friars in points. Again a defenceman leads the #1 ranked NCAA team in points. He is currently tied for 9th in NCAA scoring. He leads all NCAA defenceman scoring by 5 points.

While Hickey hasn't been horrible or anything, he hasn't had a season like Walman is having and relatively speaking Hickey is having an average season this year.

[LIP MAN]

Originally Posted by You Need a Thneed

I think we all know that it will never happen, but Fan 960 was discussing it:

Sam Bennett to the World Juniors.

Would be nice for him to star since he was injured last time, but he's playing too well to be lent there.

[sureLoss]

Hmm... head of Swedish hockey federation says he has talked to NHL about releasing Nylander and Kempe (both in the AHL) but doesn't say anything about Kylington. Sign Kylington didn't make the team?

http://www.expressen.se/sport/hockey...ecken-for-jvm/


Google translation:

- Yes, I have met the NHL lead again here in New York in the evening and got the news that the Toronto Maple Leafs will release Nylander and LA Kings to do the same with Kempe says Hockey Federation vice-president Peter Forsberg Sportexpressen on Friday morning, Swedish time .

Forsberg and the union's General Secretary Tommy Boustedt met again Bill Daly, the NHL's Deputy commissioner, before Thursday night's game between the New York Rangers and Colorado Avalanche at Madison Square Garden.

It was the second meeting between the parties over the past three days.
- Daly has been in contact with the club lines in Toronto and the LA Kings after our request, which we call a "Request of release", and referred to the clause in our agreement between the Swedish nba and the NHL about the players who are to AHL will be available to the JVM, says Peter Forsberg.

[cofias]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Hmm... head of Swedish hockey federation says he has talked to NHL about releasing Nylander and Kempe (both in the AHL) but doesn't say anything about Kylington. Sign Kylington didn't make the team?

http://www.expressen.se/sport/hockey...ecken-for-jvm/


Google translation:

http://www.aftonbladet.se/sportblade...cle21882274.ab

This article says that the Swedish "delegation" were trying to attain the services of three players, Nylander, Kempe and Kylington. It doesn't mention anything more on the OK situation though. I think the Flames may not have decided what to do with him yet. However, if it weren't for this I'd agree that he may have simply not made the team. Sweden has a really strong pool of D-men to choose from this year.

[sureLoss]

Originally Posted by cofias

http://www.aftonbladet.se/sportblade...cle21882274.ab

This article says that the Swedish "delegation" were trying to attain the services of three players, Nylander, Kempe and Kylington. It doesn't mention anything more on the OK situation though. I think the Flames may not have decided what to do with him yet. However, if it weren't for this I'd agree that he may have simply not made the team. Sweden has a really strong pool of D-men to choose from this year.

I will take your word for it, because the translation reads like they are just listing players that the NHL would have to release, not necessarily that they were seeking release for all 3.

[cofias]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

I will take your word for it, because the translation reads like they are just listing players that the NHL would have to release, not necessarily that they were seeking release for all 3.

The original text is ambiguous. It says the three players "in question" were/are Nylander, Kempe and Kylington, but it doesn't explicitly say that they actually asked about the availability of each one. So it may still be that Grönborg will simply leave him off the roster. The team doesn't really have a need for a left shot offensive specialist, if that's what they view him as being right now. I would personally think Andersson makes the cut though.

[sureLoss]

Some news that may impact Hickey and McDonald.

Blackwood may be facing a suspension for a vicious slash in the OHL. Video here: https://vine.co/v/i7W7hqX0QEA. Got a match penalty. IIHF will enforce an OHL suspension at the WJC.

Walman left the game early in the 3rd period. Hasn't returned to the ice since.

[Goodlad]

That is a very vicious slash. He'll definitely be sitting a few games.

[sureLoss]

Mike McMahon @MikeMcMahonCHN
Jake Walman didn't return following an awkward hit in the 3rd period. Nate Leaman said it wasn't season ending, but also didn't look good.

[sureLoss]

Originally Posted by Goodlad

That is a very vicious slash. He'll definitely be sitting a few games.

The only question is, will it be enough games to effect the tournament? Barrie plays 6 games from now until the start of the tournament.

[Monahan For Mayor]

Wow that was a brutal slash.

[JohnnyT]

Walman injured in providence game tonight. Head coach said "not season ending but not good"

[sureLoss]

Bob McKenzie's locks for Team Canada D:
Dermott
Hicketts
Fleury
Sanhiem

Fighting for a spot;
Chabot
Chychrun
Dunn
Hickey
Juulsen
McKeown
Walman


McKenzie thinks Juulsen and McKeown may have an advantage being the only right shots at camp. He notes that in his locks that only Hicketts plays the right side and is still a left handed shot (not a good sign for Hickey as he plays left side). He also thinks Hockey Canada may have Walman penciled in as the trigger man on the PP.


Craig Button on who will be the starting goalie:
http://www.tsn.ca/video/who-will-be-...-goalie~762977

Button:
McDonald doesn't have a real strong statistical season
He is big, great economy of movement, real good poise - nothing seems to rattle him

This is Blackwood's first foray playing for Hockey Canada
He is big, strong in terms of playing in the net
The only problem Blackwood has is he tends to fall back into his net which is a sign of his confidence

McDonald has the inside track to be the starter in Button's opinion.
Was the goalie of the tournament at the u18s
Has an international pedigree
When push comes to shove he will get the start.

[Monahan For Mayor]

I don't see Hickey making the team, unless he has an incredible showing in camp.

[Lanny_McDonald]

^^^ How often have you seen any of the players in question play? How the hell would you know who has an edge?

[Monahan For Mayor]

Originally Posted by New Era

^^^ How often have you seen any of the players in question play? How the hell would you know who has an edge?

I'm basing off what I heard in the Jankowski interview, as well as what other "experts" have said. Also taking into account team needs.

[sureLoss]

Looks like Walman is toast

Bob McKenzie @TSNBobMcKenzie
. @HockeyCanada awaiting official word on Jake Walman injury but initial report suggests "weeks," which would take him out of WJC.